Manchester City, after a disappointing season by their standards, is set to make some swift changes in the squad. The club's chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has promised that the overhaul of Pep Guardiola’s team will continue at a rapid pace in the weeks leading up to the Club World Cup.
After an impressive run of four consecutive Premier League titles under Guardiola’s reign, Manchester City experienced a dismal season. They finished third in the Premier League and won only three out of 10 games in the Champions League. To add insult to injury, they lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace and ended without a trophy for the first time since 2016/17.
Khaldoon acknowledged that last year's lackluster performance was due to not being "aggressive" enough in rejuvenating their squad through transfers.
Step towards rejuvenation
In response to this setback, Manchester City made significant moves during January by signing Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Nico Gonzalez at a combined cost exceeding £172 million ($232 million). These signings were part of an effort to inject fresh talent into their ranks and regain their dominant position.
Manchester City chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, said:
“This January, we had to act. Four players in January (came in), and that gives you an idea of what’s coming this summer because we will continue. We have clearly identified who exactly are the targets, in what positions, and we have our clear number one option, our clear number two option.
“And we’ll go about our business, and it will be very clear, very swift. And our objective is to try to be ready with the new squad for the Club World Cup. We will be back. This season is a season that’s now behind us. Today is a new day. We start working and preparing for next season. I can assure you, this club will do everything possible to come back to the standards that we know we all can achieve...”
More arrivals expected before Club World Cup
Despite Guardiola’s preference for working with a smaller squad next season, more arrivals are expected before June 14th when Club World Cup begins. Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki and AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders are among those rumored for potential transfers to Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola extended his contract with Manchester City until 2027 back in November amidst these struggles. This move shows his commitment towards steering this ship back on course despite recent setbacks.
Chairman Khaldoon remains confident that the team, which has dominated English football over the last decade, will quickly regain its top position. The swift transfer deals are a clear indication of their intent to bounce back stronger in the upcoming season.
